Redding's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Redding, California, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Redding requires a tree removal permit before anyone kills, destroys, or removes a tree over six inches in trunk diameter, developed lot or vacant land, under Municipal Code Section 18.45.030. Skipping the permit exposes the owner to a fine of up to two thousand dollars per tree under Section 18.45.100, plus mandatory replacement planting.

Key details: Permit threshold: Trees over 6 inches dbh. Permit validity: 6 months, one 6-month extension. Maximum fine: $2,000 per tree removed. After-the-fact relief: Double application fee. Protected trees: Landmark/heritage trees, Chapter 13.40.

Removing or killing a protected tree without a permit is punishable, at the city's discretion, by a fine of up to two thousand dollars per tree, a requirement to plant and maintain replacement trees in healthy condition for three years, and a prohibition on further development of the property, apart from corrective work, for up to two years from the notice of violation. An owner who removed a tree unlawfully on a developed parcel can seek relief only by applying for an after-the-fact permit under Section 18.45.050 and paying twice the normal application fee, and the city can still impose any of the above conditions.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redding actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Tree Trimming

Trimming a tree on private property in Redding generally does not require a City permit so long as the work does not effectively kill the tree or breach the City's tree-management rules (RMC Chapter 18.45). Street trees in the public right-of-way are governed by RMC Title 13, Chapter 13.40 (Trees and Shrubs), administered by Public Works. Redding Electric Utility (REU) prunes for line clearance per Public Utilities Commission and CPUC General Order 95 standards. California common-law self-help allows trimming a neighbor's overhanging branches up to the property line.

Key details: Private Trees: RMC Ch. 18.45 (Tree Management). Street Trees: RMC Title 13, Ch. 13.40. Utility Clearance: REU per CPUC GO 95. Routine Pruning: No permit if tree not killed. Treble Damages: CCP §733 / Civil Code §3346.

Trimming a tree in a manner that effectively kills it without a Chapter 18.45 permit can be cited as a tree-removal violation by Code Enforcement, with administrative penalties and required mitigation planting. Damaging or killing a neighbor's tree through over-aggressive self-help trimming exposes the trimmer to civil liability and potential treble damages under California Civil Code §3346 and Code of Civil Procedure §733. Unauthorized work on a street tree in the right-of-way violates RMC Chapter 13.40 with administrative fines and restitution.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Redding gives residents more flexibility on tree trimming.

Water Restrictions

The Redding Water Utility currently operates at Stage 1 - Year-Round Conservation, which is voluntary, with an odd/even outdoor watering schedule and prohibitions on hosing hardscapes or irrigating within 48 hours of rainfall. Higher-stage mandatory restrictions are codified in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (RMC Chapter 14.09) referenced through RMC Chapter 14.08 (Water). California Water Code §365 et seq. and statewide State Water Resources Control Board emergency drought regulations layer additional restrictions during declared drought.

Key details: Current Stage: Stage 1 - Voluntary (Year-Round). Code Authority: RMC Ch. 14.08 + Ch. 14.09 (WSCP). Odd Addresses: Water Wed/Fri/Sun. Even Addresses: Water Tue/Thu/Sat. Watering Hours: Midnight-7am + 9pm-midnight.

Stage 1 measures are voluntary and primarily enforced through outreach. Once the City declares Stage 2 or higher under RMC Chapter 14.09, violations are enforceable through the Water Utility with administrative citations and, for repeated violations, flow restrictors or service termination per the Water Shortage Contingency Plan tariff. State Water Resources Control Board emergency drought regulations (23 CCR §§863-866) impose civil penalties up to $500 per day per violation directly on water users statewide during declared drought emergencies.

Weed Ordinances

Weed control in Redding is driven first and foremost by California fire law. Public Resources Code §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around any structure in or adjacent to a State Responsibility Area, with annual grasses mowed to about 4 inches. Redding lies within and adjacent to mapped Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Cal Fire FHSZ maps, PRC §§4201-4204). The Shasta County Fire Safe Council and Redding Fire Department coordinate annual weed-abatement outreach and enforcement.

Key details: Defensible Space Law: PRC §4291 (100 ft, Zones 0-2). FHSZ Maps: PRC §§4201-4204 (Cal Fire). Annual Grass Std.: Mow to ~4 in. (Cal Fire). Local Partner: Shasta County Fire Safe Council. Pesticide Licensing: FAC §§11401+ (CDPR).

PRC §4291 violations are enforced by Cal Fire LE-100 with progressive penalties for failure to maintain 100 ft of defensible space; uncorrected violations can result in fines and, in severe cases, misdemeanor charges. City Code Enforcement nuisance citations carry administrative penalties (typically $100/$200/$500 escalation) plus City-performed abatement costs recovered as a lien under Government Code §38773.5. Unlicensed commercial pesticide application violates California Food and Agricultural Code §§11401+ with Department of Pesticide Regulation civil penalties.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Redding gives residents more flexibility on weed ordinances.

Composting

Since January 2024, all City of Redding residents are required by California Senate Bill 1383 (Lara, 2016; Public Resources Code §42652+) to separate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings into the City's Organics cart for collection by Recycling and Solid Waste. Backyard composting on private residential lots is permitted and encouraged. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited within Redding city limits and regulated by the Shasta County Air Quality Management District.

Key details: State Mandate: SB 1383 (PRC §42652+, 14 CCR §18981+). Effective in Redding: January 2024. Organics Cart: Food + yard waste, no plastic bags. Backyard Compost: Permitted, no permit required. Open Burning: Prohibited in city; AQMD outside.

SB 1383 noncompliance can trigger education, then administrative citation by the City's Recycling and Solid Waste Division. State law caps initial penalties at $50-$100 per violation through 2024 with escalation thereafter; CalRecycle audits jurisdictions and can fine the City directly for systemic noncompliance under 14 CCR §18997.2. Improper composting that creates a documented vermin or odor nuisance is enforceable as a public nuisance with City Code Enforcement citation. Unpermitted open burning violates Shasta County AQMD rules and California Health and Safety Code §41700 with civil penalties.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Redding gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Redding's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.